DCF ANNOUNCES $1.2 MILLION TO HELP LOCAL HOMELESS COALITIONS
~ Grants will help almost 2,000 families remain in their homes ~

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. - Department of Children and Families Secretary David Wilkins announced today $1.2 million in grants to help families at risk of becoming homeless in communities across the state.

In January of this year, local homeless coalitions counted more than 56,000 people living on our streets or staying in emergency shelters. In addition, 56,680 children were identified as homeless by school districts statewide last year. The Department's Office of Homelessness Prevention focuses resources and efforts to helping Floridians remain in their homes.

"This money will allow many families who need extra assistance to stay in their home. We are proud to work with so many local organizations that are helping families become self-sufficient during these tough economic times," said Secretary Wilkins.

These Emergency Shelter Grants are made through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development and must be awarded to local governments or a not-for-profit organization. The priority for receiving funding went to areas of the state that did not previously receive similar grants this year. The maximum amount for any community was $100,000.

The grant money can be used for short-term assistance for rent or utilities, security deposits, legal proceedings as a part of eviction, financial aid to prevent foreclosure and case management services to prevent families from becoming homeless.

Grants were awarded to fourteen local organizations and will help nearly 2,000 families remain in their homes. The information about each grant recipient is attached.